Digital Leadership in Higher Education: Purposeful Social Media in a Connected World

"There is no one from whom I would ratherhear about digital leadership than Josie Ahlquist! What makes this book trulyspecial, beyond the treasure trove of practical suggestions, is the emphasis onthe importance of being purposeful and genuine in one's use of digital media tosupport individuals and communities. The book situates the 'social' at theheart of social media activity - social justice, social networks, and socialresponsibility."
-- George McClellan, Associate Professor of Higher Education, Universityof Mississippi

In this groundbreaking book, Josie Ahlquist provides readerswith the tools they need to take a strong, values-based approach to leadershipin the various digital spaces vital to the world of higher education today. Filled withreal-world examples and tools to negotiate this ever changing digitallandscape, the book fills an important niche in the literature: A user manualfor your digital leadership journey.

Each chapter includes tools andtactics, as well as stories that bridge the gap between technology andconnection with community. This book doesn't have a recipe for cooking up thenext viral video, it offers lots of ways to stay true to individual andorganizational values while engaging online. Whether a college president, dean ofstudents, associate professor, or a program coordinator, there is a need for leaderswho aren't just early adopters and social media enthusiasts, but authenticindividuals who back up their technology use with a purposeful philosophy and avalues-based approach to their role.

Through speaking, coaching, teaching, and consulting, Josie Ahlquist guides educational leaders, organizations, and students to practice purposeful digital leadership.

Her practical, evidence-based frameworks empower clients to build and implement a digital engagement strategy that fits their life, their audience, and their purpose. Ahlquist's work is grounded in her grant-funded and award-winning research that has allowed her to train thousands around the globe as a speaker; provide consulting services to institutions and companies; and coach professionals in branding, voice, and positioning.

Ahlquist has authored pieces for the Handbook of Student Affairs Administration, The Journal of Leadership Studies, NASPA Leadership Exchange and Contested Issues in Troubled Times: Student Affairs Dialogues on Equity, Civility, and Safety. She also served as a co-editor and author of the New Directions in Student Services volume, Engaging the Digital Generation, and the New Directions in Student Leadership volume, Going Digital in Student Leadership.

Ahlquist is a three-time LinkedIn Top Voice in Education, has been recognized by Ed Tech Magazine as one of the "Top 50 Must-Read Higher Education Technology Blogs" for five years. Her podcast, Josie & The Podcast, has been featured by The Chronicle of Higher Education and Inside Higher Ed. She is a past recipient of the Dr. Susan R. Komives Research Award and the Student Affairs Technology Research, Assessment, and Evaluation Innovation Award.

Ahlquist received her EdD in higher education leadership from California Lutheran University, an MEd in counseling from Northern Arizona University, and a BA in sociology and human development and family studies from South Dakota State University. Prior to her independent path, Ahlquist spent nearly 15 years on college campuses in areas of student leadership, student activities, residence life, and student affairs communications and marketing. She currently serves as a research associate and instructor at Florida State University Leadership Learning Research Center, where her curriculum builds digital literacy and leadership skills for undergraduates to doctoral students. Ahlquist lives in Los Angeles, California with her husband Lloyd Ahlquist and their three rescue fur babies.